Despite the fact that this is a huge step towards making a Linux distro mainstream, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes firmly believe this move wont have any significant positive effect on the Linux market share.
Read his argumentation:

Quote:

There are other flaws in the way that the deal was implemented. The limited range of PCs that are offered with an Ubuntu install is a problem. Theres one notebook model (the Inspiron E1505n), one budget desktop model (the Dimension E520n) and one from the high-end XPS system (although its a low-end 410n). The base price for the E520n and E1505n notebook is $599 while the base price for the XPS 410n is $849. When you compare the prices to comparable systems running Windows Vista Home Premium, the difference in price is $50. But dig a little deeper and that $50 doesnt seem like much at all, considering what you get. When it comes to software support for the Ubuntu systems, users have the choice of serve yourself support at the Dell Community Forum or paying Canonical for a support package. No free telephone support from Dell for Linux.